Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the purpose of the IBM Certification Program?

This program enables you to demonstrate your proficiency in the latest IBM technology and solutions. We want to help establish that you have the capability to perform role-related tasks and activities at a
specified level of competence. Your participation is beneficial if you wish to validate your skills, as well
as for companies that wish to ensure certain performance levels for their employees.

Who is the target audience for IBM certification?

IBM Professional Certifications are associated with an individual, not a company or organization. The target audience for certification includes employees of Business Partner Firms, Customers, IBM internal employees, and Independent Consultants who sell, support, or service IBM products.

How are IBM Certification exams developed?

IBM certification exams ensures that the most important role-related knowledge and skills are tested. Exams creation is facilitated by professionals who specialize in test development and measurement. Subject matter experts experienced in the role are involved throughout the process. The steps of test development include:

Defining the role to be certified,

Identifying the specific content to be covered,

Developing test questions that map to important job tasks and activities associated with the role,

Assembling examination forms that cover the defined role,

Setting passing scores that ensure the proper level of performance.

What is the difference between an IBM Certification exam and an IBM Mastery exam?

Certifications are designed to validate skills needed in a specific job-role.

Mastery Skills help to assure an individual has achieved a foundation of knowledge and understanding of a subject matter. Mastery Skills supplement Certifications as a method used by IBM to evaluate knowledge of IBM Sales and Technical Professionals.

What is the difference between a sample exam and an assessment exam?

Sample Exams and Assessment Exams are available on the Test Preparation Page.
A Sample Exam is a PDF document developed by the test owner to help you practice for your exam.
An Assessment Exam is an online test that results in a score report to help you gauge your preparedness. Assessment exams can be booked through Pearson VUE.

How do I learn about new IBM Certifications and Mastery Qualifications?

Are exams available at IBM Conferences?

How much does an exam cost?

Prices vary between Certification exams and Mastery Skills. Exam pricing is listed when you register for an exam at Pearson VUE

How do I access preparation materials for an exam?

Exam preparation materials are available for you on the individual test pages. Please browse our available IBM Certification exams and IBM Mastery exams using our Exam Index.

Where can I find general information regarding a test?

You can view all requirements on the test page. Please browse our available exams on our Exam Index.

If I fail, can I retake the exam?

If a exam is not completed successfully on the first attempt, there is no waiting requirement before taking the exam a second time. However, you may not take the same exam more than twice within any 30 day period of time. The second attempt is not free, you must pay for it. For more info on retakes visit our Policy Page.

If I take a test that for a certificate that I already have been awarded, will I get another Certificate?

The first certificate continues to be valid. Once a certificate is awarded you can print the pdf with the original date.

What is a Score Report and how do I get a copy of my Score Report?

Score reports are issued after the completion of an exam and provided by the test vendor.
If you did not receive a score report after completing your exam, they can be downloaded from our test vendor, Pearson VUE.

Do all IBM Certification exams award an IBM Certificate?

Not all exams result in a certificate. Review certificate requirements to see which exams you need to complete for achievement. Please browse our available IBM Certification exams on our Exam Index.

How do I know the requirements for an IBM Certificate?

You can view all requirements on the certification page. Please browse our available IBM Certifications on our Certification Index

Do all IBM Certifications or IBM Mastery Qualifications award an IBM Open Badge?

IBM Certification Member Site

What is the IBM Certification Program Member Site?

The IBM Professional Certification Member Site is a private site offered exclusively to the IBM Certification Community. Specialized features of the IBM Certification Member Site include a central location of services, special benefits, and information.

Who can access the IBM Certification Program Member Site?

IT Professionals who successfully achieve IBM certification have earned the recognition and affiliated access to the IBM Certification Member Site.

How do I provide an official transcript of my achievements?

The transcript is a trusted source of your achievements that you can share with your employer or potential employer. This is a free service offered through the IBM Certification Member site. Use this function to authorize an individual, that you choose, limited access to view your IBM certifications. This view-only access includes the IBM certifications and mastery skills you have achieved. This will not include access to your testing history with IBM.

Under the Certificates & Exams drop down select Create an Online Transcript

Generate your Transcript Access Code

Click on the Access Code URL and share the address with the authorized individual

That transcript access code remains usable for 30 days. You can deactivate it sooner if necessary.
You will receive an email with a URL and a transcript access code which you may share with the individual(s) of your choice.

How do I change my personal information?

What should I do to receive my certificate?

Upon completion of the certification requirements, you will be sent an e-mail regarding the IBM Certification Agreement. Upon acceptance of the terms, your certificate will be emailed to you in PDF format.

How quickly should I expect to receive my certificate?

Please allow 4 - 5 business days to receive your certificate by e-mail.

What are IBM Certification Program Marks and how can they be used?

Once you've completed all requirements for certification, the appropriate certification marks will be available on your Member Site Profile under the Promote Yourself menu.

Marks are ideal for email signatures, business cards and resumes. The Certification Marks page can be accessed under Promote Yourself on the Certification Member Site.

What is a Premium Certificate and how can I order one?

For those wishing to have a hard copy of their achievements we offer Premium Certificates. Before you purchase your certificate, please verify that the specific certification(s) you have earned are available as a Premium Certificate. Visit the IBM Certification Member Site and verify a Premium Certificate is available for your selected certification.

(NOTE: Premium Certificates are only available for IBM Certifications. Mastery Tests are not certifications. There are no Premium Certificates for Mastery Skills)

Once you have verified that your certificate is available, you can purchase a Premium Certificate Voucher Code from the IBM Professional Certification Marketplace.
Your voucher purchase includes your IBM Premium Certificate and Express Shipping with Tracking.
Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive a voucher code by email.
You can complete your order on the IBM Certification Member Site, under the Certificates and Exams menu choose 'Order Premium Certificates' from the drop down and follow the instructions when prompted.